"Who's Who in Star Trek" stated that he attended Perth Engineering College. His personnel file in Star Trek: Starship Creator noted that he graduated from Starfleet Academy in 2263. He was assigned to the USS Bull Run as a transporter technician. He was promoted to lieutenant junior grade after receiving his starship pilot certificate in 2264. He was transferred to the Enterprise as a lieutenant and was estranged from his wife, Rebecca, and his two daughters, Susan and Dawn, who lived in New Berlin, Luna.

According to Star Trek: Starship Creator, he was assigned to the USS Bozeman in 2278 and became the senior helmsman. He was awarded the Citation for Bravery in 2280 for piloting a shuttle and clearing a safe path for the Bozeman out of a Tholianminefield. He was promoted to lieutenant commander in 2281 and named second officer of the Bozeman. He was transferred to the USS Reliant in 2284 at the request of Chekov and became second officer.

There were inconsistencies with regards to Kyle's first name. In "Who's Who in Star Trek", his first name was Thomas. According to FASA's Star Trek: The Role Playing Game, it was Winston – an apparent reference to John Winston. The novels Present Tense and The Fire and the Rose state that it was John – another apparent tribute to the actor who portrayed him.